Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines during an aerial application flight.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, he was conducting an aerial application flight when he inadvertently struck power lines while maneuvering. The airplane struck the ground with the right wing first and then rolled to the left, coming to rest with the left wing and tail section contacting the ground. The pilot reported no mechanical problems with the airplane and stated the accident could have been prevented if he had paid more attention to the wire height, and maintained additional clearance above the wires.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR11LA388 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 17, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Pine Bluffs, Wyoming
- Nearest airport
- Pine Bluffs Municipal Airport (82V)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Air Tractor Inc AT-602
- N-number
- N8518Y
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 137 (agricultural)
- Purpose of flight
- Aerial application
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.